Community gathers for seed swopping event at Pelican Park High

Scores of plant enthusiasts attended the first community seed and plant swapping social gathering to be held at Pelican Park High on Saturday, August 30.

The seed and plant swapping social group started around four years ago at Kannemeyer Primary School in Grassy Park when a few plant enthusiasts got together to exchange plants and seeds.

One of the members of the seed swapping social group, Paul Solomons from Grassy Park, said they try to do these swaps twice a year.

“One towards the end of winter, before the planting begins in spring, and then another one in April for the planting of winter crops,” he said.

Mr Solomons said many people go to garden centres to buy seeds, though they don't often use them all.

“So what we do is get together, and if, for example, I am looking for cauliflower seeds, and you have basil seeds, then we will swap them out,” he said.

Various seeds from vegetables to indigenous plants and some flowers, such as zinnia and marigolds, were available to be swapped last Saturday.

Agriculture is a subject offered from Grade 10 to Grade 12 at Pelican Park High, and teacher Clifford Ceasar said seed swapping allows his pupils to be aware of what is happening in the community.

“At Pelican Park High, we have our aquaponic system, greenhouse tunnel, and chicken coop, though we need our pupils to know what is happening in the community with regards to agriculture,” he said.

Ms Ceasar encourages the community to engage with the school on agricultural matters as their pupils are learning about modern agriculture. He also took scores of people on a tour of the school’s agricultural facilities. 

Grade 12 Pelican Park High pupil Jordan Adriaans said this is a good initiative as they can engage with the community and share more information with them on where the food is coming from.

“We also want to inform people that it can be easier to grow your own food and to support local markets,” he said.

Antoinette Daniels from Hanover Park also took part in the seed swapping.

“I was curious about the seed swaps, and I received basil as well as branches from a fig and guava tree,” she said.

Mr Solomons said they have a community WhatsApp group for plant enthusiasts to share information about plants or any events surrounding plants.

To join this group, Whatsapp Mr Solomons at 068 016 3886.